Understanding HVAC Terminology

Navigating the world of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) can be challenging due to the technical jargon. To help you better understand the key terms and concepts, we've compiled a list of common HVAC terminology:

SEER measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning unit over a typical cooling season. A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency. The minimum SEER rating for new units is usually around 14, but high-efficiency models can have ratings of 20 or more.

A BTU is a unit of measurement for energy. In HVAC, it measures the amount of heat an air conditioning unit can remove from a room per hour. One BTU is equivalent to the energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

AFUE measures the efficiency of a furnace in converting fuel to heat over a year. It is expressed as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more efficient furnaces. For example, an AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the fuel is used for heating, while the remaining 10% is lost. 

An air handler, or air handling unit (AHU), is a device used to regulate and circulate air as part of an HVAC system. It typically contains a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks, and dampers.

A heat pump is an HVAC device that can both heat and cool a space. It works by transferring heat from one place to another, depending on the season. In the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air (even when it's cold) and transfers it indoors. In the summer, it reverses the process.

An air conditioner is a system that cools indoor air by removing heat and humidity. It typically consists of an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator). Air conditioners are essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures during hot weather.

A ductless mini split is an HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling without the need for ductwork. It consists of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. Ductless mini splits are highly efficient and allow for individual temperature control in different rooms or zones.

A furnace is a heating system that heats air and distributes it throughout a building via ductwork. Furnaces can be powered by various fuels, including natural gas, oil, electricity, and propane. They are commonly used in colder climates to provide consistent and efficient heating.

A wall heater is a compact, self-contained heating unit installed in or on a wall. Wall heaters are typically used to heat individual rooms or small spaces and can be powered by electricity or gas. They are ideal for areas where space is limited or where supplemental heating is needed.

The compressor is a key component of an air conditioning system. It pressurizes the refrigerant, which increases its temperature. The hot, pressurized refrigerant then moves to the condenser.

The condenser is the part of an air conditioning system where the refrigerant releases heat and transforms from a gas back into a liquid. It is typically located outside the building.